City College: D. Rumschitzki, S. Weinbaum
Hospital Partners: K-M. Jan, Columbia P&S
External Collaborators: S. Chien, UCSD

Our research team has pioneered the development of sophisticated ultrastructural models for the transport of LDL and other macromolecules in the arterial intima and across the arterial wall. The group is credited with experimental discovery at the cellular level of the transient pore via which LDL first crosses the arterial endothelium and subsequently developed a theoretical model to explain the growth of these spots in the intima and their relation to the formation and growth of subendothelial liposomes.

Currently, we are extending this approach to the study of valve leaflets, veins and low pressure arteries where there is no internal elastic lamina, but most surprisingly similar growth patterns are observed. We are attempting to explain why these structural differences seem to have a profound effect on the development of early lesions. This research has been continuously supported by NIH from 1975 to 2002 and by six NSF grants over this same period including a Special Creativity Award.